Lisa Brown Finishes 13th In Javelin Throw Olympic Preliminaries

Gustavus Adolphus College athlete Lisa Brown capped off an exciting track and field season by finishing 13th in the javelin throw at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon on a hot, humid Saturday afternoon. The Lake Crystal, Minn. native recorded a throw of 48.08 meters (157 feet, 9 inches), and narrowly missed participating in Monday night’s javelin throw final as the top 12 finishers qualified for the finals. Brown, the 2008 NCAA Division III Javelin Throw Champion, was ranked 12th nationally at the start of competition.

Brown’s throw was shorter than her NCAA Division III Championship throw, but the majority of the athletes threw below their Olympic Trial qualifying marks, due somewhat in part to the weather conditions. However, Brown said after the competition, “I proved to myself that I can compete at an elite level, and I do belong here. I have already set a goal to come back and participate in the 2012 Olympic Trials.”

Gustavus track and field coach Tom Thorkelson was extremely proud of Brown’s performance. “Lisa has established herself as one of the top javelin throwers in the country and competing at this meet will only motivate her to get better.”

Brown finished sixth among athletes with collegiate affiliations, all of which were Division I institutions. “Lisa is one of the youngest throwers in the country at this level. After having only thrown at such a high level for just three years, she is only beginning to realize her potential,” said Thorkelson.

The javelin throw finals will take place Monday night at 8:20 p.m. (PST) in Eugene, Oregon, and will be televised on NBC.